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Lennon asks for fans backing to increase transfer budget

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has called on the club's supporters to boost his transfer funds by snapping up season tickets for next season.

The newly crowned champions have been offering discounts to fans who bought tickets for next season in an attempt to boost attendance figures after seeing them drop this campaign.

The lack of an Old Firm derby has not helped Celtic as they coasted to the league title with no real competition from the other sides, meaning a drop in interest from their supporters.

Lennon's side performed admirably in this season's UEFA Champions League, reaching the last 16, and that run generated some extra income for Lennon but he warned fans there would not be any big-money signings for next season.

"We have to safeguard the long-term future of the club," he said.

"In an ideal world I would love to go out and spend five or 10 million pounds on four or five players and dominate the landscape for the next however many years.

"I'm not saying the club won't do that but there are aspects of a football club that need looking after with good housekeeping and we are well aware of that."

With the league title wrapped up Celtic are now looking towards the new season and whilst Lennon has an initial budget he revealed the backing of the fans could see that increase.

"My budget is not set in play," he said.

"When we bring money in, we spend it.

"We got 25-30 million from the Champions League campaign and might be able to dip into that a little bit.

"But we have always been prudent in terms of making signings and the wage bill and that won't change.

And the Northern Irish manager felt the discounted rates being offered were a clear indication of the importance the club place on their supporters, and he urged those who haven't bought tickets next season to do so.

"The home form has been fantastic since the turn of the year," he added.

"But it's just all about trying to generate extra income.

"I think it's a brilliant gesture by the club. There are not many clubs who would knock 20 percent off their season tickets."